Some of the most profound and touching musical performances can be found on street corners, in parks, on train platforms, and in town squares around the world. Combined, the talents of these street musicians can be truly magical.

That was the goal of Playing for Change, a global music initiative that decided to feature street performers, from around the world, in music videos.

“Originally, Playing for Change, it was born with a question: how can we find one thing to unite and inspire people all over the world?” explained co-founder Mark Johnson.

Playing for Change: Inspiring and connecting through music

Playing for Change: Inspiring and connecting through music

Philanthropists and filmmakers Whitney Kroenke and Mark Johnson talk about their musical mission through Playing for Change.

The street musician videos have become a global sensation…touching millions of lives. The movement is designed to connect people, around the world, unifying them, and bringing peace through the power of music.

“When you’re performing a song together or singing a song together or playing on a song or listening to a song, it’s a really shared relationship, it’s a reciprocal relationship,” said co-founder Whitney Kroenke. “And it’s one that speaks from the heart to the heart.”

The foundation’s founders, philanthropists and filmmakers, Whitney Kroenke and Mark Johnson, joined Mike Walter in our Los Angeles studio to share the mission of their musical journey.